Career Timeline of Max Fried: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Max Fried built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Max Fried is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. Before joining the Yankees, he played for the Atlanta Braves. He is a left-handed pitcher known for his skill and performance on the mound.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Signed with Padres

In 2012, Max Fried chose to sign with the San Diego Padres for $3 million, foregoing his commitment to the UCLA Bruins baseball team.

2012: Professional Debut for Arizona League Padres

In 2012, Max Fried made his professional debut for the Arizona League Padres.

2012: Drafted by San Diego Padres

In 2012, Max Fried was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round, seventh overall, of the MLB draft.

2013: Played for Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2013

In 2013, Max Fried played for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, compiling a 6–7 record and a 3.49 ERA in 23 starts.

December 19, 2014: Traded to Atlanta Braves

On December 19, 2014, Max Fried was traded by the Padres to the Atlanta Braves along with Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, and Mallex Smith in exchange for Justin Upton and Aaron Northcraft.

2014: Traded to the Braves

In 2014, Max Fried was traded to the Atlanta Braves.

April 9, 2016: Return to Action

On April 9, 2016, Max Fried returned to action, playing for the Rome Braves.

August 5, 2017: Called Up to Atlanta Braves

On August 5, 2017, Max Fried was called up to the Atlanta Braves.

2017: Joined the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League

At the end of the 2017 season, Max Fried joined the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League.

2017: Spring Training Invitation

In 2017, Max Fried was invited to spring training for the first time and began the season at the Class AA level with the Mississippi Braves.

2018: Played for Mississippi Braves and Gwinnett Stripers

In 2018, Max Fried began the season with the AA Mississippi Braves, and after one game, he joined the Gwinnett Stripers before being called up to Atlanta.

2018: Possible Team Starter

In December 2017, Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned that he might consider Max Fried as the team's fifth starter in 2018.

2019: Leader Among NL Pitchers

From 2019 to 2021, Max Fried led all National League pitchers in wins (38).

2019: Second-Most Wins in National League

In 2019, Max Fried achieved 17 wins, which was the second-most in the National League.

2019: Achievements in 2019 Season

In 2019, Max Fried had a 17–6 record with a 4.02 ERA, pitching 165.2 innings and striking out 173 batters. His 17 wins were second in the National League.

2019: Moved to Starting Rotation

In 2019, Max Fried was initially placed in the bullpen but was later moved to the starting rotation.

2019: Defensive Achievements in 2019

On defense, Max Fried led all major league pitchers in assists for the second consecutive season with 15 in 2020. In 2019-20, he was tops in major league baseball with 9 pickoffs.

2019: Introduced Slider

Since 2019, Max Fried throws an 85-mile-per-hour (137 km/h) slider.

2020: Pandemic-Shortened Season Achievements

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 regular season, Max Fried had a 7–0 win-loss record with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, leading the major leagues in won-loss percentage.

2020: Second-Most Wins in National League

In 2020, Max Fried again achieved the second-most wins in the National League, with seven victories.

July 4, 2021: Walk-Off Single

On July 4, 2021, Max Fried had a pinch-hit, walk-off single against the Miami Marlins.

August 20, 2021: First Complete Game Shutout

On August 20, 2021, Max Fried pitched his first career complete game shutout, a Maddux, against the Baltimore Orioles.

2021: Regular Season Achievements

During the 2021 regular season, Max Fried had a 14–7 record with a 3.04 ERA (9th in the National League), and his 14 wins were 5th in the NL.

2021: Leader Among NL Pitchers

From 2019 to 2021, Max Fried led all National League pitchers in wins (38).

2021: 2021 NL Silver Slugger Award

In 2021, Max Fried also won the NL Silver Slugger Award for pitchers, becoming the third MLB pitcher to win both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards in the same season. He was the final recipient of the Silver Slugger Award for pitchers, as the National League implemented the designated hitter in 2022.

2021: Named to 2021 All-MLB Second Team

In 2021, Max Fried was named a starter on the All-MLB Second Team, earning his second consecutive All-MLB selection.

2021: Won Final Game of World Series

In 2021, Max Fried won the final game of the World Series, pitching six shutout innings against the Astros.

2021: World Series Title with Braves

In the final game of the 2021 World Series, Max Fried pitched 6 shut-out innings against the Houston Astros, contributing to the Atlanta Braves' first World Series title in 26 years.

2022: All-Star and Third Gold Glove in 2022

In 2022, Max Fried was named an All-Star for the first time in his career and won his third consecutive Gold Glove Award at pitcher.

2022: 2022 NL Gold Glove Award, Cy Young Award Voting, and All-MLB Team Selection

In 2022, Max Fried was named the NL Gold Glove Award winner at pitcher for the third straight year. He also finished second in the voting for the 2022 NL Cy Young Award and was selected to his third consecutive All-MLB team.

2022: Second Opening Day Start, Salary, and All-Star Game Selection

In 2022, Max Fried was named to his second straight Opening Day start. His salary for the 2022 season was set at $6.85 million via arbitration, and he was named to the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game roster at midseason.

2023: Regular Season Performance in 2023

During the 2023 regular season, Max Fried had a strong performance with an 8–1 record and a 2.55 ERA. He demonstrated exceptional statistics including a low ERA, high ground ball percentage, and low hard-hit percentage, ranking among the league leaders in multiple categories.

2023: Injuries and Return to Play in 2023

In 2023, Max Fried's salary was $13.5 million. As the Opening Day starter, he was removed early due to injury and spent time on the injured list for a strained hamstring and forearm. He was activated on August 4.

2023: Best Win-Loss Percentage Among Braves Pitchers

Through 2023, Max Fried had the best career win-loss percentage of all Atlanta Braves pitchers, at .705.

December 17, 2024: Signed with the New York Yankees

On December 17, 2024, Max Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, the largest contract issued to a left-handed pitcher in MLB history.

2024: Contract, Opening Game, and Maddux

In 2024, Max Fried agreed to a one-year contract with the Braves. His streak of Opening Day starts ended, and in his season debut, he recorded only two outs. On April 23, Fried pitched a complete game shutout, for his third career Maddux. He pitched a scoreless inning for the NL team in the All Star Game.

2024: 2024 Season Statistics

In 2024, Max Fried had a 11–10 record with one shutout, leading the NL in ground ball percentage. He also had the second-lowest exit velocity. Fried declined the qualifying offer from the Braves at the end of the season.

2024: All-Star Selection in 2024

In 2024, Max Fried was selected as an All-Star.

March 29, 2025: Yankees Debut

On March 29, 2025, Max Fried made his Yankees debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, pitching 4 2⁄3 innings and allowing two runs. He recorded his first win as a Yankee on April 4 and had a 10+ strikeout game on April 9. On April 20, Fried lost a no-hit bid. He was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for April.